Online program saves students time & expense of 5-7 credit hours Beginning this fall, graduate students at Evangel University will be able to earn a master’s degree and meet Missouri’s state certification requirements for elementary or secondary principals with 30 credits of coursework. The Master of Education in Educational Leadership prepares students to become building-level […]

Beginning this fall, graduate students at Evangel University will be able to earn a master’s degree and meet Missouri’s state certification requirements for elementary or secondary principals with 30 credits of coursework.

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership prepares students to become building-level administrators. The degree has historically required 35-37 credit hours.

“Our faculty set a goal of improving how we help students meet the statewide standards,” said Dr. Matt Stringer, associate professor of education at Evangel. “As a result, the quality of our highly-respected program is even better, and the efficiency of delivery has also been improved.”

Evangel’s new 30-hour plan for the online educational leadership program was submitted to the Missouri Department of Education this spring, and the University received approval on May 8.

“I chose this master’s program at Evangel, because I knew it would prepare me for more than just the next step in my career. Evangel teaches educational leadership as a higher calling,” said Meghan Reed, a third-grade teacher at Weller who recently enrolled in the program. “The professors have a mindset of service to the community.

“At the same time, I am very pleased with the updates Evangel made to this program, because they will allow me to complete my master’s sooner than planned,” she added.

A native of Frisco, Texas, Reed graduated from Evangel in 2013 with a double major in elementary and special education.

Graduates are eligible for principal certification upon completion of the building-level administrator licensing exam.

All of Evangel’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and are approved by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

For more information on Evangel’s 30-hour online master’s program, contact Dr. Matt Stringer at stringerm@evangel.edu or by calling (417) 865-2811.

Evangel education programs

Meghan Reed shares a laugh with Felix Willhite at the end of a rewarding school year. Reed teaches third grade at Weller, and is earning her master’s in educational leadership online at Evangel. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Evangel University offers a variety of education majors for early childhood, elementary, middle school and secondary education students, along with certification programs for Special Education/Cross-Categorical Disabilities, and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

In addition, the master’s programs in curriculum and instruction, educational leadership, and literacy prepare instructors to dive deeper into their chosen area of focus.

Evangel also offers a Doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership, Curriculum and Instruction.

Evangel University will host Clare Vanderpool, a Newbery Award-winning author, for a public presentation on children’s literature and creative writing, Thursday, April 26, from 7-8 p.m. The lecture, reception and book signing are free and open to the public. The event will be held in the AG Theological Seminary at Evangel, on the north end […]

Evangel University will host Clare Vanderpool, a Newbery Award-winning author, for a public presentation on children’s literature and creative writing, Thursday, April 26, from 7-8 p.m.

The lecture, reception and book signing are free and open to the public. The event will be held in the AG Theological Seminary at Evangel, on the north end of campus, near the corner of Glenstone and Division.

In 2011, Vanderpool’s book Moon Over Manifest won the Newbery Medal, which recognizes the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children.

In 2014, her book Navigating Early won a Printz Honor, which recognizes literary excellence in young adult literature.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF — Go to the artwork, then right-click the artwork for an e-mailable promotional piece for Thursday’s event.

In addition to her public appearance, Vanderpool will conduct two master class sessions for Evangel students on Friday, April 27.

The first session at noon will focus on children and young adult literature. The second session at 3:00 p.m. will focus on creative writing. Both master class sessions will be held in Trask Hall, room 102.

Her journey includes an Evangel professor

Vanderpool’s journey with creative writing began as soon as she knew how to use a pencil, but it wasn’t until after her first child was born that she began to seriously pursue the crafting of narratives.

“Moon Over Manifest” won the Newbery Medal in 2011. // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Awbrey assisted by reading and commenting on Moon Over Manifest and Navigating Early and was featured in the acknowledgments of Vanderpool’s Newbery winner Moon Over Manifest.

“Clare and I have been friends since the mid-1990s when we both were members of the Milton Center, a creative writing and reading group in Wichita, Kansas,” said Awbrey.

“Clare’s priorities are faith, family and fabulous story-telling. She integrates these aspects of her life with charm and discipline. However, Clare is first a wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. Her natural gift for developing characters, observing details and weaving a good plot has won her the nation’s highest awards, but I think she would just as soon be remembered for raising four faithful, happy children or taking care of her aging parents with compassion,” she said.

In her Newbery Medal speech, Vanderpool identified herself as a mom, writer and resident of Kansas. Her love for her home and family led to the development of Moon Over Manifest, but it didn’t come easy.

Vanderpool said, “This [Moon Over Manifest] is my first published book, but it is not my first attempt at putting pen to paper. I started writing, really writing, with intent and purpose, when my first child was born. During those years, I did what a writer does. I changed diapers and I wrote. I made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and I wrote. I read and I wrote. I listened to what others had to say about writing and I wrote. I try to approach my writing the same way I approach everything else in my life. Work hard at it and have fun with it. Enjoy the experience.”

Vanderpool works to share her own experience at sessions such as the ones that she will lead at Evangel.

Awbrey said, “As a writer and creative person, Clare is a natural fit to speak at Evangel because she lives the integration of faith, learning, and life every day. She juggles her creative impulse, homemaking duties, a public image and personal relationships. Our students can benefit from her perspective.”

A look at her books

Vanderpool’s books are both historical fiction, and they take place around World War II.

“Navigating Early” won a Printz Honor in 2014. // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Moon Over Manifest is set in a Kansas town that was largely populated by European immigrants.

Navigating Early takes place in Maine and has a protagonist who is autistic. The book is unique in that it features a protagonist with special needs and also utilizes math concepts in the storytelling.

“Clare is an extraordinary storyteller whose tales align with the Newbery Medal’s recognition of distinguished children’s literature,” said LaDonna Friesen, assistant professor of English at Evangel University.

“Both of Vanderpool’s books are not typical stories. She weaves diverse, intriguing characters into narratives that diverge and come together to offer profound moments of understanding, pain, and healing. She provokes readers to consider how history affects who we are now, and that the history we are making now—through relationships, knowledge and decisions—affects tomorrow,” said Friesen.

Awbrey added, “Although Clare’s work has earned national attention, the value of her books for our community is that they deal, at least partially, with the role that ‘place’ has in the development of the human spirit. In both stories, the children’s search for identity is deeply grounded in places and people. I think that anyone who loves a good story told well will be rewarded by Clare’s visit.”

October Rocks is the annual fall festival at Weller Elementary, produced by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization and featuring carnival-type activities for students and their families. “I loved seeing kids of all ages having such a great time and how excited they got when I told them they get a prize,” said Ashley Arnall, an […]

Among the many activities at the Oct. 12 event were outdoor games, a dunk tank, an inflatable castle, and an auction of themed baskets from Evangel’s Department of Education.

“This is a fun way for the Evangel family to partner with the Weller family,” said Dr. Kelly Sutherland, professor of education at EU. “This was our ninth year, and we donated eight rather creative baskets from different groups on campus.”

Dr. Rebecca Donaldson, principal at Weller Elementary,* says the baskets donated by various departments from Evangel are popular. “We raffle them at the end of the night, so the families stay to have fun together and get to know each other. It was a great way to build community.”

Basket themes this year included “Family Game Night,” provided by the Education Department; “Grilling Delight,” by the Facilities Department; “Relaxing Day Off,” by the Enrollment and Marketing Departments; and “Coffee & Chocolate,” by President Carol Taylor’s office.

“It is so much fun seeing the final products that have been created to share with the students and families at Weller,” said Sutherland.

Evangel is located in the Weller Neighborhood, and its employees and students have had a long-term commitment to working with the school. Education majors, social work majors, business majors and student athletes alike volunteer on a regular basis, both at the school and through the Boys & Girls Clubs in the area.

Evangel students also help with the production of October Rocks.

Evangel University senior Ashley Arnall. // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

“Just being around those kids and their families and seeing their support for their school, reiterated my calling and passion for teaching,” said Arnall, an elementary education major.

The Education Department

Working with the theme “caring, committed, competent educators shape the future,” the Department of Education at Evangel University offers 15 undergraduate majors. These include early childhood, elementary and middle school education; plus specialized majors in art, biology, business, chemistry, communication, English, math, music, social science, Spanish, theatre/speech, and physical education.

Graduate students can earn a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, M.E. in Educational Leadership, M.E. in Literacy, and a School Psychology Examiner Certification.

In addition, Evangel offers a Doctorate of Education Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction.

For additional information contact Dr. Shonna Crawford, chair of the department, at crawfords@evangel.edu

Dr. Peggy Reed, associate professor of education at Evangel University, is the newly elected president of the Missouri Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (MAECTE). Dr. Reed was passed a ceremonial baton from Dr. Joy Voss, outgoing president of MAECTE, at their fall conference in Jefferson City, Mo. Dr. Voss is an assistant professor of […]

Dr. Peggy Reed, associate professor of education at Evangel University, is the newly elected president of the Missouri Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators (MAECTE).

Dr. Reed was passed a ceremonial baton from Dr. Joy Voss, outgoing president of MAECTE, at their fall conference in Jefferson City, Mo. Dr. Voss is an assistant professor of education at St. Louis University.

The purposes of MAECTE include advocating for improvements in early childhood teacher education, providing a communication network for early childhood teacher educators, and promoting the professional growth of the membership. The organization has more than 100 members.

Dr. Reed is completing her second two-year term as secretary of the group and will assume the office of president on January 1, 2018.

“We have been given the opportunity to partner with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, to encourage high-quality learning experiences for Missouri’s youngest children,” said Dr. Reed. “As President, I will continue to foster unity between early childhood faculty at two- and four-year institutions, and strengthen our partnerships with state and national associations.”

Dr. Shonna Crawford, education department chair, said, “We are blessed to have Dr. Peggy Reed serving Evangel as coordinator of our Early Childhood Education program since 1985. Her rich experience and expertise in the early childhood years help her serve our students well and will, no doubt, empower her to serve our state well. We are proud of Dr. Reed’s accomplishments and influence with MAECTE.”

Evangel education programs

Evangel University offers a variety of education majors for early childhood, elementary, middle school and secondary education students, along with special certification programs for special education and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

All of Evangel’s teacher education programs are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and are approved by the Missouri State Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

In addition, the master’s programs in education leadership, curriculum and instruction, and literacy at Evangel prepare instructors to dive deeper into their chosen area of focus. Evangel also offers a Doctorate of Education in Leadership, in Curriculum and Instruction.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Evangel University is hosting a free reading clinic this month, providing one-on-one literacy support for K-12 students who signed up earlier this spring. The tutors are local teachers who are enrolled in the Master of Education in Literacy program at EU. The Literacy Lab runs May 30 through June 22, Monday through […]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Evangel University is hosting a free reading clinic this month, providing one-on-one literacy support for K-12 students who signed up earlier this spring. The tutors are local teachers who are enrolled in the Master of Education in Literacy program at EU.

The Literacy Lab runs May 30 through June 22, Monday through Thursday mornings. Each student will receive a total of sixteen 60-minute reading sessions.

“Our graduate students are working one-on-one and in small groups during two sessions each morning, serving 57 local students,” said Dr. Shonna Crawford, chair of the Department of Education.

“Our program is designed to equip classroom teachers for the current demand for literacy achievement,” said Crawford. “We also prepare future reading specialists for Title 1 reading programs and empower educators to become strong literacy leaders in their schools.”

The annual Literacy Lab enables master’s-level students at Evangel to obtain real world experience, as well as the practicum (internship) hours needed for their Reading Specialist Certification in Missouri. Reading specialists are in high demand.

“Throughout these sessions, they analyze and diagnose the strengths and weaknesses of each student reader, then develop a plan to help them grow,” said Dr. Becky Huechteman, professor emeritus.

New this year

More than 100 creative activities for Evangel’s Summer Literacy Program were developed this past year by undergraduate students enrolled in the class, Analysis and Correction of Reading Difficulties.

“Our students were excited by this opportunity, because it gave them an authentic audience for their class projects,” said Crawford. “A part of their challenge was to write specific instructions for the graduate students to teach from.”

Undergrad students developed word games, a Lego building game, word battleship, and a whole array of ready-made activities for the Literacy Lab.

Sign up for next year

The clinic will be repeated next summer.

The free sessions are available to elementary, middle and high school students, whether they are in public school, private school, or home school.

Families interested in next summer’s clinic should contact the Evangel University Education Department via email at literacylab@evangel.edu, or call (417) 865-2815, ext. 8548.

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NEWS COVERAGE:

1) Dr. Shonna Crawford was interviewed by KOLR-10 (CBS News), Monday morning, June 19, 2017. As is typical, there were a couple of versions of the story aired on the news that evening and again the next morning. Click here to see one version and read another.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The School of Adult and Graduate Studies at Evangel University has announced its 2017 graduation awards. The awards were given during the Baccalaureate service on Thursday, May 4, in the Robert H. Spence Chapel auditorium. The ceremony included the hooding of those earning master’s degree, and recognition of achievement for those earning […]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The School of Adult and Graduate Studies at Evangel University has announced its 2017 graduation awards. The awards were given during the Baccalaureate service on Thursday, May 4, in the Robert H. Spence Chapel auditorium.

The ceremony included the hooding of those earning master’s degree, and recognition of achievement for those earning degrees in the adult studies program.

Evangel University offers several graduate degrees, each integrating faith and scholarly exploration to equip professionals to be servant leaders. The flexible scheduling, including some online classes in each program, allows students to balance career and family with their educational pursuits.

Evangel’s Adult Studies programs feature accelerated curriculum designed for working adults, allowing them to finish their degree in a flexible format that fits their career or family obligations.

The following undergraduate adult studies awards were presented.

The Award of Excellence in Church Ministries

Antonio Figueroa from Summerfield, Fla.

Christopher Webb from Springfield, Mo.

The Award of Excellence in Human Services

Mychere Conn from Fair Grove, Mo.

The Award of Excellence in Management

Amanda Gribben from Springfield, Mo.

Daniel Tidmore from Vulcan, Mo.

The Class of 2017

Evangel University and its seminary saw a total of 509 degrees conferred this spring in two graduation ceremonies.

The 59th Annual Commencement ceremony for Evangel University was held on Friday, May 5, 2017, at 9:30 a.m. in the James River Church auditorium in Ozark, Mo.

The speaker was Evangel alumnus Hal Donaldson, co-founder and president of Convoy of Hope, a faith-based, non-profit organization that leads humanitarian initiatives across the United States and around the world.

Nearly 4,000 family and friends from around the world celebrated 456 Evangel graduates earning 361 bachelors’, 58 master’s and 37 associate’s degrees, 32 of which were from EU’s James River Leadership Campus.

In addition, the 44th Annual Commencement for the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary was held on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in the Robert H. Spence Chapel auditorium. Three 2017 graduates shared their stories as a part of the ceremony.

There were 53 degrees conferred by AGTS, of which 33 are master’s and 20 are doctoral degrees.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel University will present a nationally known educator, businessman and award-winning author of children’s books, Carl Sommer, on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 10 a.m. He will speak in the chapel at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary on the north corner of Evangel’s campus, at Division and Glenstone. His presentation is […]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel University will present a nationally known educator, businessman and award-winning author of children’s books, Carl Sommer, on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 10 a.m.

He will speak in the chapel at the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary on the north corner of Evangel’s campus, at Division and Glenstone. His presentation is free and open to the public.

Sommer was honored as the Central Bible College “Distinguished Alumnus of the Year” in 2011. He attended Evangel’s sister-college in 1959, before pursuing a degree in education in New York.

A former marine, New York City high school teacher and a multi-talented businessman, Sommer is the founder and president of several businesses, including Advance Publishing, Inc., and Reliable EDM, a precision machining company that is the largest of its kind in North America.

The machining business is located in Houston, Texas, and serves clients such as NASA, Boeing, ExxonMobile, GE and Dow Chemical.

Advance Publishing’s mission statement reveals the entrepreneur’s ongoing passion and purpose: “Providing exciting and inspiring character-building resources that train and motivate children with positive virtues and life skills, which enable them to live successful lives, and results in stronger families, better schools, and a safer and more productive society.”

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

As the author of 42 character-building children’s books, Sommer has appeared nationally on numerous radio and TV programs, including the Oprah Winfrey Show.

“Carl will be speaking on entrepreneurship and God’s word,” said Doug Jenkins, director of CBC alumni relations at Evangel. “He believes that his businesses and books have been blessed because of the Biblical principles he has used as a guide.”

A life of teaching values

According to his official bio, Sommer has a passion for communicating values and practical learning skills to children.

At age 40, he became a New York City public high school teacher, then became an assistant dean of boys in a high school with 3,600 pupils, where he counseled students and parents.

As Sommer taught, he witnessed firsthand the many deficiencies of the educational system which prompted his investigative journey. His research led him to work as a substitute teacher at every grade level in twenty-seven different schools in all of the boroughs of New York City. Identifying the problems and needs of America’s students, he proceeded to craft solutions.

His exhaustive ten-year study, including a one-year leave of absence from teaching, led to his first book — Schools in Crisis: Training for Success or Failure?(free at his website). This book has been heartily endorsed by teachers, university professors and prominent educators around the country.

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Following his passion, Sommer’s works include the award-winning“Sommer-Time Story” series of 24 motivational children’s books, read-alongs and DVD videos that impart positive character traits and principles for success in children.

Some of these books have been translated into Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Afrikaans, and Korean. The Sommer-Time Adventure DVDs in which Sommer reads the books and teaches character-building lessons are currently being shown around the world on either cable or streaming video.

In addition, Sommer has written or produced:

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

• Twelve Quest for Success character-building graphic novels for upper elementary students and reluctant readers in junior and senior high school.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel University will host an open house for prospective students interested its Adult & Graduate Studies programs — as well as seminary degrees offered by the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary — on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m. The fall open house is a come-and-go event that will […]

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Evangel University will host an open house for prospective students interested its Adult & Graduate Studies programs — as well as seminary degrees offered by the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary — on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, from 5 to 7 p.m.

The fall open house is a come-and-go event that will take place in the lobby of Riggs Hall Administration Building, located by the flagpole in the center of campus, facing Glenstone Ave.

The open house will provide potential students with information about Evangel’s accelerated, affordable, and convenient programs for adult learners, as well as opportunities to meet professors, other students, financial aid counselors and admission representatives.

Appetizers and refreshments will be served. Drawings and giveaways will occur throughout the event.

Breakout sessions will begin at 5:30 p.m. The sessions will cover Master of Educational Leadership and Doctor of Educational Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction.

“The fall open house is our opportunity to showcase Evangel’s adult studies and graduate and seminary programs to our undergraduate students and to the Springfield community,” said Patricia Hansen, executive director for undergraduate admissions. “Our goal in hosting these events is to inform prospective students about our programs.”

As a student, she piloted EU’s co-teaching program SPRINGFIELD, MO — An Evangel University graduate has been selected by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to receive the 2016 Kansas Horizon Award. The annual award recognizes exemplary first-year educators. Taylore Weitner teaches sixth grade English Language Arts at Mill Creek Middle School in Lenexa, […]

SPRINGFIELD, MO — An Evangel University graduate has been selected by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) to receive the 2016 Kansas Horizon Award. The annual award recognizes exemplary first-year educators.

Taylore Weitner teaches sixth grade English Language Arts at Mill Creek Middle School in Lenexa, Kan. She is also a member of the literacy committee, social committee and site council.

“I am excited and honored to represent Evangel through this award,” said Weitner, who earned her B.A. in English Education from Evangel in 2014. She is currently working on her Master’s in Educational Leadership, also through EU.

“I’m so proud of Taylore’s accomplishments,” said Dr. Susan Langston, associate professor of education at Evangel. “She has really blossomed into an effective teacher and a teacher leader. She is committed to constantly improving her skills, and she has not shied away from accepting the challenges that new opportunities offer her.”

To be eligible for the Horizon Award, teachers must have successfully completed their first year of teaching and have performed in such a way as to distinguish themselves as outstanding.

Evangel University graduate Taylore Weitner was surprised to receive the Kansas Horizon Award for first year teachers. She is shown with Dr. Ron Wimmer, superintendent of the De Soto School District; Larry Breedlove, principal of Mill Creek Middle School; and Dr. Lowell Martinie, director of human resources for the district. // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Weitner was honored last semester at a special ceremony during the Kansas Exemplary Educators Network (KEEN) State Education Conference in Topeka, for her performance in the 2014-2015 school year.

The program is a regional competition with four regions corresponding to the Kansas state’s U.S. Congressional districts. Four elementary and four secondary classroom teachers may be selected for the award from each region.

Because of this award, Weitner has been invited to be a member of KEEN and will have the opportunity to participate in a number of professional development programs throughout the year.

Co-teaching Program at Evangel

Evangel University launched a co-teaching model for teacher-education students in 2013, and Weitner served as the test pilot.

“Piloting the co-teaching program at Evangel my senior year was one of my greatest memories,” she said. “I was at Glendale High School for the entire school year and worked with the same teacher. Dr. Langston was my evaluator. Each time she walked into the classroom, I could see her love of children, education, and teacher candidates.”

According to Langston, “The greatest benefit of the co-teaching model is that our students have a year-long experience in the classroom during which they are seen as a teacher rather than a student.”

Evangel University graduate Taylore Weitner teachers an English class at Mill Creek Middle School in Lenexa, Kan. // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

Following an apprenticeship model, Evangel teacher-candidates share responsibility for planning, instruction and classroom management equally with the cooperating/mentor teacher.

“Benefits to the cooperating teacher include having another qualified teacher in the room to assist with planning and teaching effective lessons, while lowering the teacher-to-student ratio to allow students more individual attention,” Langston explained.

“They are also happy to co-plan with the teacher candidate, to help the student teacher develop his or her skills,” said Langston.

Weitner was born and raised in Kansas City, Kan., and graduated from Piper High School in 2010.

Leadership Skills

At Evangel, she developed her leadership skills through involvement with the Activities Board and the Burgess Hall Council.

“My education classes and professors were the best parts of my time there,” she affirmed. “Each professor strived to know not only my name, but also my strengths and weaknesses. They helped me learn important skills that I still use in my classroom on a daily basis.”

Asked for one example, Weitner mentioned Dr. Shonna Crawford, who helped her students embrace Monday as a great day.

“Her enthusiasm and love of education has inspired me to start each week with ‘umph,’ and because of her ‘I Love Monday’ campaign, my students come to class every Monday excited and ready to take on the day.”

SPRINGFIELD, MO — The students and faculty at Evangel University have honored Dr. Shonna Crawford, assistant professor of education, for her outstanding accomplishments as a young member of the EU faculty. The Orville & Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service was presented last month, during the 58th Annual Commencement […]

SPRINGFIELD, MO — The students and faculty at Evangel University have honored Dr. Shonna Crawford, assistant professor of education, for her outstanding accomplishments as a young member of the EU faculty.

The Orville & Jewel Mills Young Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching, Scholarship and Service was presented last month, during the 58th Annual Commencement Ceremony.

Orville and Jewel Mills established the Mills Award in 2006 to recognize outstanding professors who are less than 45 years of age. It includes an unrestricted cash grant. Orville Mills is a retired comptroller of Exxon-Mobile and serves on the university board of trustees. The couple’s three daughters are graduates of Evangel.

“I feel that this award is a reflection of the hard work of many people from Evangel that have invested into me over the years.” said Crawford, a 2000 and 2003 EU graduate.

Crawford joined the Evangel faculty in 2011, teaching literacy and language courses and facilitating the Student Teaching Seminar. She also helps coordinate the Master’s of Education in Literacy program at Evangel.

“Dr. Crawford is an exceptional educator,” said Dr. Colleen Hardy, chair of the Department of Education. “She has an enthusiasm for literacy and academic rigor, and an authentic commitment to the development of students. This makes her a valuable colleague in the Education Department and a true asset to the Evangel community.”

“Dr. Crawford has helped tremendously by providing a springboard for the dissertation writing process,” he said. “She has instilled confidence in me as a writer, while always providing feedback in a meaningful and productive way.”

Shonna Crawford leads a team of Evangel education majors to Belize every other year, during spring break. // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

In addition to Crawford’s class load, being published in literacy journals and presenting at international conferences, she also spends every other spring break leading a team of Evangel education majors to Belize.

“There we work with teachers in the schools by teaching students and providing professional development” said Crawford. “This last trip we were also able to do an outdoor VBS-type outreach and a family literacy event! The trip always ends with a snorkeling excursion, which is a great reward for working during spring break.”

About Crawford

A native of Farmington, Minn., Shonna (Penners) Crawford graduated from Evangel in 2000 with a B.S. in Elementary Education and again in 2003 with an M.Ed in Reading. In 2015 she earned her Ph.D. in Learning, Teaching & Curriculum Literacy from the University of Missouri.

“I started my career teaching 3rd grade across the street at Weller Elementary,” said Crawford. “Nancy Colbaugh was my principal, so I began under the best leadership!”

Affirming her assessment, the U.S. Department of Education awarded Dr. Colbaugh, a 1970 Evangel graduate, the National Distinguished Principal Award for Missouri in 2003.

Crawford taught in Missouri and Oklahoma for the next several years. Prior to her return to Evangel, she served four years as the professional development trainer and consultant for the Missouri Reading Initiative, working with the public school systems in Springfield, Willard, Spokane, Marshfield and Lebanon.

Crawford is known for her enthusiasm and ability to push credit to others.

“The shared goal of the department is to create caring, committed, competent teachers that are equipped to impact the world! This shared vision creates an awesome and unified working environment,” said Crawford.

Savannah Acevedo, a teacher at Watkins Elementary, is enrolled in the literacy master’s program at Evangel. The University’s innovative Literacy Lab has been one of her favorite components of the program.

“Dr. Crawford encouraged me to do what was truly best for my students and provided feedback to set me in the right direction,” said Acevedo. “Her guidance has deepened my learning and love for literacy, and her joy for learning is contagious!”

Shonna is married to Michael Crawford, a 2000 Evangel graduate. Together, they have two children, Gavin, 12, and Aubree, 9.